Pat McGrath Bronze Ambition MTHRSHP Eyeshadow Palette Review, Photos, Swatches
Sublime Bronze Ambition
Pat McGrath Bronze Ambition MTHRSHP Eyeshadow Palette ($55.00 for 0.42 oz.) is a new, limited edition selection of warm-toned neutrals with mostly shimmers (just one true matte). The palette was impressive as the entire time I used it, I was just so thrilled at how easy it was; that it really was delivering and exceeding expectations. There are a few shades that were quite easily duped, though, and I was surprised that Gold Rush seemed very, very similar to Gold Nectar (in La Vie En Rose).
Ingredients
Looks Using this Product
Sublime Bronze Ambition
LELimited Edition. $65.00.
Gilt Trip
Gilt Trip is a medium gold with warm, orange undertones and a metallic sheen. It had opaque color coverage that applied evenly and smoothly on bare skin. The texture was soft to the touch, creamy and easy to pick up with a slew of brushes. The eyeshadow started to fade noticeably on me after nine hours of wear.
FURTHER READING: Formula Overview for details on general performance and characteristics (like scent).
Top Dupes
- NARS Alhambra II (PiP, $19.00) is less shimmery (95% similar).
- Urban Decay Baked Cowboy (DC, $19.00) is darker (95% similar).
- Bobbi Brown Overheated (LE, $38.00) is less shimmery (95% similar).
- Stila Vitality (PiP, ) is darker (95% similar).
- MAC Glowing Gold (LE, $17.00) is less shimmery (95% similar).
- Tarte Up to No Gold (LE, ) is brighter (95% similar).
- Ulta Gold (P, $10.00) is darker (95% similar).
- Pat McGrath Entice (LE, $25.00) is more shimmery, brighter (90% similar).
- Tarte Hype (PiP, ) is darker (90% similar).
- Huda Beauty Nefertiti (PiP, ) is cooler (90% similar).
Formula Overview
$25.00/0.04 oz. - $625.00 Per Ounce
Pat McGrath's eyeshadows are, generally, supposed to be "super-saturated" with "creamy, soft textures" and "extreme blendability and adherence without creasing." A lot of how well they perform (and to some degree, how they are supposed to be applied and marketed) depends on the type of shades, but by and large, the eyeshadows perform very much as they are described.
The brand released single eyeshadows in March 2019, and the shades have been consistent in quality, look, and feel. They are not removable, unfortunately, so one would have to depot like any other single eyeshadow--I tried using tweezers and lifting on several shades to no avail. The lids are held closed by a weak magnet, so I'm not sure they're as secure as most single eyeshadow compacts in my stash--I wish it really locked in, but there's definitely a magnet that pulls the lid down if it's within 2mm of the base.
The mattes are velvety, blendable, and dense without being thick or too heavy, and they have semi-opaque to opaque pigmentation where a little can go a long way with some of the deeper and richer hues. The satin and pearl finishes are smooth, lightly creamy, and firmer but not dense or thick with good pigmentation, blendability, and easy application. The more metallic finishes tend to be softer, creamy, and smooth with a bit more denseness and no powderiness. The sparkly/glittery shades are often designed to be applied wet for richer coverage or intensity, which has largely been my experience. Most of the shades last between eight and nine hours.
Browse all of our Pat McGrath EYEdols Eyeshadow swatches.
Gilt Trip
LELimited Edition. $25.00.
Bronze Struck
Bronze Struck is a rich, golden bronze with warm undertones and a metallic sheen. The consistency was soft to the touch with a creamy consistency and moderate slip, yet it was definitely still a powder eyeshadow. It adhered well to bare skin, blended out with little effort, and yielded opaque coverage in one layer. It wore well for nine hours on me before fading slightly.
FURTHER READING: Formula Overview for details on general performance and characteristics (like scent).
Top Dupes
- Pat McGrath Sextrovert (DC, $25.00) is lighter (95% similar).
- Dose of Colors Sunglow (LE, ) is lighter, cooler (95% similar).
- Gucci Beauty Oxydus (DC, $37.00) is less shimmery (95% similar).
- Anastasia Topaz (P, $12.00) is less shimmery (95% similar).
- ColourPop Making Mischief (LE, $6.00) is less shimmery, lighter (95% similar).
- Too Faced Caramelized (PiP, $16.00) is less shimmery (95% similar).
- Make Up For Ever ME658 Golden Brown (DC, $21.00) is more shimmery, darker (95% similar).
- JD Glow Deep Bronze (P, $7.50) is lighter (95% similar).
- Make Up For Ever ME644 Iced Brown (P, $17.00) is lighter (95% similar).
- Urban Decay Influence (Lightbeam) (LE, $19.00) is warmer (95% similar).
Formula Overview
$25.00/0.04 oz. - $625.00 Per Ounce
Pat McGrath's eyeshadows are, generally, supposed to be "super-saturated" with "creamy, soft textures" and "extreme blendability and adherence without creasing." A lot of how well they perform (and to some degree, how they are supposed to be applied and marketed) depends on the type of shades, but by and large, the eyeshadows perform very much as they are described.
The brand released single eyeshadows in March 2019, and the shades have been consistent in quality, look, and feel. They are not removable, unfortunately, so one would have to depot like any other single eyeshadow--I tried using tweezers and lifting on several shades to no avail. The lids are held closed by a weak magnet, so I'm not sure they're as secure as most single eyeshadow compacts in my stash--I wish it really locked in, but there's definitely a magnet that pulls the lid down if it's within 2mm of the base.
The mattes are velvety, blendable, and dense without being thick or too heavy, and they have semi-opaque to opaque pigmentation where a little can go a long way with some of the deeper and richer hues. The satin and pearl finishes are smooth, lightly creamy, and firmer but not dense or thick with good pigmentation, blendability, and easy application. The more metallic finishes tend to be softer, creamy, and smooth with a bit more denseness and no powderiness. The sparkly/glittery shades are often designed to be applied wet for richer coverage or intensity, which has largely been my experience. Most of the shades last between eight and nine hours.
Browse all of our Pat McGrath EYEdols Eyeshadow swatches.
Bronze Struck
LELimited Edition. $25.00.
Copperized
Copperized is a rich, medium-dark copper with strong, warm orange undertones and a metallic shine. It was richly pigmented with a soft, smooth consistency that was easy to apply and blend out on bare skin. The eyeshadow seemed to melt onto my lid and looked even shinier and smoother a minute or so after application. It stayed on well for nine hours before I noticed any fading.
FURTHER READING: Formula Overview for details on general performance and characteristics (like scent).
Top Dupes
- ColourPop Wild One (LE, $4.50) is lighter (95% similar).
- ColourPop Tea Time (PiP, $4.50) is more shimmery (95% similar).
- Viseart Mimolette (LE, ) is less shimmery (95% similar).
- Natasha Denona Bronze Foil (437M) (PiP, $29.00) is more shimmery, lighter (95% similar).
- Huda Beauty Do It (PiP, ) is more shimmery (95% similar).
- Too Faced Gingersnap (LE, $16.00) is warmer (95% similar).
- Urban Decay Red Keep (LE, $19.00) is less shimmery, lighter (95% similar).
- MAC Couture Copper (P, $20.00) is less shimmery (95% similar).
- Urban Decay Ignite (PiP, $19.00) is lighter (95% similar).
- NARS On Fire (LE, $19.00) is lighter (95% similar).
Formula Overview
$25.00/0.04 oz. - $625.00 Per Ounce
Pat McGrath's eyeshadows are, generally, supposed to be "super-saturated" with "creamy, soft textures" and "extreme blendability and adherence without creasing." A lot of how well they perform (and to some degree, how they are supposed to be applied and marketed) depends on the type of shades, but by and large, the eyeshadows perform very much as they are described.
The brand released single eyeshadows in March 2019, and the shades have been consistent in quality, look, and feel. They are not removable, unfortunately, so one would have to depot like any other single eyeshadow--I tried using tweezers and lifting on several shades to no avail. The lids are held closed by a weak magnet, so I'm not sure they're as secure as most single eyeshadow compacts in my stash--I wish it really locked in, but there's definitely a magnet that pulls the lid down if it's within 2mm of the base.
The mattes are velvety, blendable, and dense without being thick or too heavy, and they have semi-opaque to opaque pigmentation where a little can go a long way with some of the deeper and richer hues. The satin and pearl finishes are smooth, lightly creamy, and firmer but not dense or thick with good pigmentation, blendability, and easy application. The more metallic finishes tend to be softer, creamy, and smooth with a bit more denseness and no powderiness. The sparkly/glittery shades are often designed to be applied wet for richer coverage or intensity, which has largely been my experience. Most of the shades last between eight and nine hours.
Browse all of our Pat McGrath EYEdols Eyeshadow swatches.
Copperized
LELimited Edition. $25.00.
Illicit
Illicit is a deep brown with subtle, warm undertones and flecks of micro-shimmer over a matte finish. It had nearly opaque color payoff that was buildable to full coverage with less than a layer more. The texture was velvety and smooth, soft without being powdery, and blendable on bare skin. It wore well for nine hours before it started to fade on me.
FURTHER READING: Formula Overview for details on general performance and characteristics (like scent).
Top Dupes
- Smashbox Side Hustle (PiP, ) is less shimmery (95% similar).
- Wet 'n' Wild Nude Awakening #1 (PiP, ) (90% similar).
- Too Faced Sexspresso (PiP, $16.00) is less shimmery (90% similar).
- LORAC Hickory (LE, $19.00) is less shimmery, lighter (90% similar).
- KVD Beauty Shadow Box (DC, ) is less shimmery (90% similar).
- Pretty Vulgar Swoop (PiP, ) is less shimmery (90% similar).
- Pretty Vulgar Victory (PiP, ) is less shimmery, lighter (90% similar).
- Too Faced Night Fever (LE, $16.00) is less shimmery, warmer (90% similar).
- NARS Mekong (P, $19.00) is cooler (90% similar).
- Surratt Beauty Chocolate Noir (P, $20.00) is more shimmery, cooler (90% similar).
Formula Overview
$25.00/0.04 oz. - $625.00 Per Ounce
Pat McGrath's eyeshadows are, generally, supposed to be "super-saturated" with "creamy, soft textures" and "extreme blendability and adherence without creasing." A lot of how well they perform (and to some degree, how they are supposed to be applied and marketed) depends on the type of shades, but by and large, the eyeshadows perform very much as they are described.
The brand released single eyeshadows in March 2019, and the shades have been consistent in quality, look, and feel. They are not removable, unfortunately, so one would have to depot like any other single eyeshadow--I tried using tweezers and lifting on several shades to no avail. The lids are held closed by a weak magnet, so I'm not sure they're as secure as most single eyeshadow compacts in my stash--I wish it really locked in, but there's definitely a magnet that pulls the lid down if it's within 2mm of the base.
The mattes are velvety, blendable, and dense without being thick or too heavy, and they have semi-opaque to opaque pigmentation where a little can go a long way with some of the deeper and richer hues. The satin and pearl finishes are smooth, lightly creamy, and firmer but not dense or thick with good pigmentation, blendability, and easy application. The more metallic finishes tend to be softer, creamy, and smooth with a bit more denseness and no powderiness. The sparkly/glittery shades are often designed to be applied wet for richer coverage or intensity, which has largely been my experience. Most of the shades last between eight and nine hours.
Browse all of our Pat McGrath EYEdols Eyeshadow swatches.
Ingredients
Mica, Talc, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Ptfe, Zinc Stearate, Ethylene/Acrylic Acid Copolymer, Phenoxyethanol, Sodium Dehydroacetate, Sorbic Acid, Poloxamer 338, Silica, Iron Oxides (Ci 77499, Ci 77491, Ci 77492), Manganese Violet (Ci 77742), Titanium Dioxide (Ci 77891).
Disclaimer: Ingredient lists are as available by the brand (or retailer) at the time of publishing. Please always check product packaging, if it exists, for the ingredient list applicable to the product you're purchasing, or the brand or retailer's website for the most up-to-date ingredient list.
Looks Using this Product
Illicit
LELimited Edition. $25.00.
Throwing Shade
Throwing Shade is a rich, medium-dark brown with warm, orange undertones and a matte finish. The consistency was incredibly velvety and soft with just a touch of powderiness in the pan, but I didn’t have any trouble applying it to bare skin as the eyeshadow blended out with ease and diffused well along the edges. It had opaque color coverage that lasted nicely for nine hours on me.
FURTHER READING: Formula Overview for details on general performance and characteristics (like scent).
Top Dupes
- LORAC Maple (LE, $19.00) is lighter (95% similar).
- Melt Cosmetics Brunet (PiP, ) is warmer (95% similar).
- Natasha Denona Thorn (LE, ) is more muted (95% similar).
- MAC Saddle (P, $17.00) is lighter (95% similar).
- Anastasia Rustic (PiP, $12.00) is warmer (95% similar).
- Morphe Spice (PiP, ) is lighter, warmer (90% similar).
- Morphe Fawn (PiP, ) is brighter (90% similar).
- Too Faced Girl's Night (LE, $16.00) is lighter (90% similar).
- Natasha Denona Dirty Mars (PiP, ) is darker (90% similar).
- Morphe Stone (PiP, ) is lighter (90% similar).
Formula Overview
$25.00/0.04 oz. - $625.00 Per Ounce
Pat McGrath's eyeshadows are, generally, supposed to be "super-saturated" with "creamy, soft textures" and "extreme blendability and adherence without creasing." A lot of how well they perform (and to some degree, how they are supposed to be applied and marketed) depends on the type of shades, but by and large, the eyeshadows perform very much as they are described.
The brand released single eyeshadows in March 2019, and the shades have been consistent in quality, look, and feel. They are not removable, unfortunately, so one would have to depot like any other single eyeshadow--I tried using tweezers and lifting on several shades to no avail. The lids are held closed by a weak magnet, so I'm not sure they're as secure as most single eyeshadow compacts in my stash--I wish it really locked in, but there's definitely a magnet that pulls the lid down if it's within 2mm of the base.
The mattes are velvety, blendable, and dense without being thick or too heavy, and they have semi-opaque to opaque pigmentation where a little can go a long way with some of the deeper and richer hues. The satin and pearl finishes are smooth, lightly creamy, and firmer but not dense or thick with good pigmentation, blendability, and easy application. The more metallic finishes tend to be softer, creamy, and smooth with a bit more denseness and no powderiness. The sparkly/glittery shades are often designed to be applied wet for richer coverage or intensity, which has largely been my experience. Most of the shades last between eight and nine hours.
Browse all of our Pat McGrath EYEdols Eyeshadow swatches.
Throwing Shade
LELimited Edition. $25.00.
Gold Rush
Gold Rush is a molten, golden copper with warm undertones and a high-shine, metallic finish. It was intensely pigmented with a smooth, creamy texture that yielded tons of pigment with very little product (less than you’d think!). The eyeshadow went on my lids beautifully with even coverage that nearly blended itself to perfection. It wore well for nine hours on me before fading a bit.
FURTHER READING: Formula Overview for details on general performance and characteristics (like scent).
Top Dupes
- Pat McGrath Gold Nectar (LE, $25.00) is more shimmery (95% similar).
- Hourglass Foil (LE, $29.00) is cooler (95% similar).
- Anastasia Penny (P, $12.00) is lighter (95% similar).
- Anastasia A4 (Norvina Vol. 1) (LE, $12.00) is less shimmery, darker (95% similar).
- Viseart Limoncello (LE, ) is more shimmery, darker (95% similar).
- Tarte Boss Lady (LE, ) is less shimmery, lighter (95% similar).
- Too Faced Jingle All the Way Eyeshadow #7 (LE, $16.00) is less shimmery (95% similar).
- Tarte Jewel (LE, ) is more shimmery, darker (95% similar).
- Too Faced Sparkling Pineapple (PiP, $16.00) is less shimmery, brighter (95% similar).
- Make Up For Ever ME700 Amber (DC, $21.00) is lighter (95% similar).
Formula Overview
$25.00/0.04 oz. - $625.00 Per Ounce
Pat McGrath's eyeshadows are, generally, supposed to be "super-saturated" with "creamy, soft textures" and "extreme blendability and adherence without creasing." A lot of how well they perform (and to some degree, how they are supposed to be applied and marketed) depends on the type of shades, but by and large, the eyeshadows perform very much as they are described.
The brand released single eyeshadows in March 2019, and the shades have been consistent in quality, look, and feel. They are not removable, unfortunately, so one would have to depot like any other single eyeshadow--I tried using tweezers and lifting on several shades to no avail. The lids are held closed by a weak magnet, so I'm not sure they're as secure as most single eyeshadow compacts in my stash--I wish it really locked in, but there's definitely a magnet that pulls the lid down if it's within 2mm of the base.
The mattes are velvety, blendable, and dense without being thick or too heavy, and they have semi-opaque to opaque pigmentation where a little can go a long way with some of the deeper and richer hues. The satin and pearl finishes are smooth, lightly creamy, and firmer but not dense or thick with good pigmentation, blendability, and easy application. The more metallic finishes tend to be softer, creamy, and smooth with a bit more denseness and no powderiness. The sparkly/glittery shades are often designed to be applied wet for richer coverage or intensity, which has largely been my experience. Most of the shades last between eight and nine hours.
Browse all of our Pat McGrath EYEdols Eyeshadow swatches.
I want all three. I definitely do not need this one b/c I have all of the dupes, but Pat’s formula is easily one of my favorites. Her shadows need very little effort. I know you recommended both this one and the Platinum Bronze one, of the two which one did you enjoy most? Since the PB one seemed more warmer than presented, I don’t think both would be necessary to have.
Gorgeous but I’ve got too many similar. The platinum one looks similar to MUFE’s nude palette that went on sale not long ago. (or whatever it’s called). Very tempting though I cannot rationalize getting either one. Lol
Wow, what a great review and beautiful eye look! These aren’t shades I can use, but it’s just so nice to see a palette get such a glowing review. 🙂
Lovely swatches!!
This is my first PML palette and even though it is so dupeable, the quality is awesome! Happy to have it, but if I had kept to my budget I think the BH cosmetics foil eyes palette delivers very similar looks.
What outstanding quality; nice to see. Alas this one is not for me — shades run a little dark for my fair skin, metallics are not always kind to me, and I have more warm neutral eyeshadows than I’ll ever ever use up. Expensive too.
Our fair skin makes the darkest of shadows pop!!!!
Just a stunning and gorgeous warm toned palette. Beautiful shades, although I wish one of the golds was a different color since they’re so similar to each other. These reviews are making it hard for me to chose between this one and the other two, which is really nice. ? I loved the looks you created with this one. Very beautiful.
If these shades weren’t so easily dupable, I’d snag it asap. Hope to see more of these smaller releases in more interesting color combos!
This is TOTALLY up my alley…so much so that I have listed dupes for three of these shades and probably something pretty damned close for the other three. Gorgeous, do not need.
I bought this palette and the cool toned one. I’m wearing the warm palette now. Yes, you can find dupes of these shades. For me, it’s not just about the color. It’s the quality of the shadow and the quality of the packaging that puts this a few steps ahead of most brands. The packaging is cardboard, but it has great heft to it. Even the plastic covering with the shade names (that lies on top of the shadows) is thicker than typical brands.
Your eye looks are beautiful, Christine! I’m glad these smaller palettes are scoring well. Alas, these shades are too dark for me. I’d lkne to see lighter shades released in the same format.
Absolutely stellar quality from all I just saw in the swatches and read in your review! Also, definitely my kind of rich, toasty warm neutral tones! As for whether or not I will buy it, I just don’t know yet. I’ve got these sort of eyeshadow shades galore. Yet, these just seem very special.
It’s lovely, but these kinds of browns are the types that would go muddy on me.
I’ve had my eye on the La Vie En Rose because wanted something different from all of my warn neutral palettes. But I just got back from Sephora and almost bought this after swatching it. The quality is amazing. I wish it didn’t virtually share a color with La Vie En Rose since I want both palettes now.
What another stunning palette from Pat McGrath and your eye look is beautiful. Love the neutral shades, but a tad too many orange ones for me.a
Pat really nailed it on these smaller palettes. This is my least favorite of the 3. It arrived the same day from Sephora as did ABH Soft Glam from Ulta. I was a bit chagrined to find dupes between the two of them let alone other palettes I have. Lol! Both are gorgeous but I now have a crap-ton of gold toned eyeshadows!
Me too!
My first time trying out her eyeshadows in person and this palette was very pretty! But dupe-able for me, sadly and $70CAN still doesn’t make it that cost effective. 😉 Although the full-size mother ship palettes are $170CAN for 4 more shades. lol
I have this and love it. But I know I already have similar shades. Gold eye shadow is like a neutral on my complexion so I love wearing them with any lip colors but especially reds and pinks. I’m going to copy this look and use the Sublime palette green eye shadow as an under eye liner!
Is it easy to do a full eye look with this palette? There’s only one matte but I wonder if copperized would also work when buffed out.
I think so, but I don’t mind some shimmer in the crease.
This was the only palette of the new three I thought I’d use and the very first Pat McGrath palette I’ve swatched in person. It’s pretty, don’t get me wrong, but I wasn’t as amazed at the formula and colors in person as expected after reading tons of rave reviews for PMG’s eye products.
I am freaking out! My local Sephora has this in-store. I’m going there tomorrow on the way home from school to at least check this out but, knowing me, it will be coming home with me.
This palette is amazing. Application of these shadows is effortless and a little goes a long way. Michele Wang swears by all things Pat McGrath and this is no exception.